The following pictures show some of what an LSD does.
"As the say, a picture/pictures is worth a thousand words".

These pictures were sent by my good shipmate Garland Summerall
and were taken from the picture links that I have
posted on the More In-house Picture Links...

HELICOPTER ON FLIGHT DECK
OPERATIONS OFF NUMAZU BEACH
Numazu JapanNOTE: The dark object at the right is one of the two cranes
that are used to lift equipment aboard the ship.The "white canvas" at top of picture is the movie screen
that is used to view movies aboard the ship.

MINESWEEPERS ON FLIGHT DECK
Chinhae Korea, 1960

SAN DIEGO, 1959
Taken from the bow of the Tortuga
USS Whetstone, LSD-27 ballast down.
Unidentified LSD forward of the Whetstone.

WELL DECK

"THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN SWIMMING POOL"
No, the Tortuga isn't sinking, she is ballast down.
Normally the well deck is used for transporting amphibious
equipment and troops---Swim Trunks & Flip Flops Allowed!

"OPERATION DARING REBEL"
Vietnam, 1969

Quad 40's, 40/MM Guns, part of the Tortuga’s Armament

"SMOKING THE 20's"---20/MM GUNS.
Also part of the Tortuga's Armament.
Photo, courtesy Jack Hammond, Gunner's Mate.